Amidst chaos, confusion and conflict all that I need to say is, ” Let it be”.

Amidst intense cravings and aversion, vain excitement and desperate dejection all I need to do is “let it be”.

Whirlpools of thoughts and emotions, all the ups and downs of life just say ” Let it be”

In between the blissful state of birth and the void of death whatever comes just “let it be”

Mistakes, regrets, failures, success, joy and triumph …so what? just “let it be”.

Experiences of uncontrollable restlessness and utter stillness …”let it be”

and finally…

whether you are able to just ” let it be” or not does nt matter even then just “let it be”

JaiGurudev

Rashmin

Everything in life is like a wave. It rises, stays for some time and then dissolves back into the source. Our mind, events and life itself is like a wave. Thought patterns, emotions, concepts, cravings, aversions,ideas and notions all are like waves. They arise and then disappear. Understanding this intellectually is no big deal. But being  able to observe every experience as a wave is what is important.

A wave that has no identity, a wave that owes its existence to the ocean, A wave that is nothing but the ocean. Just think about it,all this fuss that we go through in life is only about something that is soon going to dissolve and disappear.

The point of this life if any, is to figure this out at an experiential level that “Yes, all this is just like a wave” so that we can smile, relax and repose in the self.

JaiGurudev

Rashmin

I had been going through this thing for quite some time and I needed an answer once and for all. Many of us have experienced the utter joy and thrill of being in the physical presence of Guruji. I have witnessed amazing transformations in people when they come in contact with HIM.  While devotees go completely crazy there are others who may be extremely stiff and skeptical to begin with, but a few minutes with Him and you see hearts softening and a glint of joy in their eyes.

Guruji”s presence is so very soothing and extremely uplifting. One starts feeling great for no apparent reason. It is something that you cant but keep longing for more ¬†and more and more. BUT quite a few times this intense longing turns into negativity. You see or hear about someone else having a great time with Him and a feeling of helplessness and jealousy creep in. Knowledge given by the same Master is the only saviour in such cases. In one of the satsangs I gathered the courage to grab the¬†microphone¬†and ask Him this question. I use the word courage here because I was experiencing a deep sense of vulnerability to confess that I do experience greed and jealousy . Throughout the Question and answer session I ket chasing the cordless microphone and somehow managed to ask.

He said ,” Just observe. All emotions are forms of the same infinite consciousness. When you become a witness to the play and display of consciousness you attain self¬†Knowledge.”

I got something to chew on for at least this whole life time. Experiencing Him in his physical presence is no big deal but experiencing Him even when he is not around is the point of having HIM as your Master. My mind is quite settled now and thankfully this knowledge helps me to avoid my relationship with the master from becoming another worldly deal, characterized by regular intervals of completely unnecessary emotionally turbulent moments.

I got my answer.

JaiGurudev

Rashmin.

Everything is going wrong for the guys who never ever cared for what is right and what is wrong. Every action and inaction has a consequence. It is said that democracy is a system through which people elect a governing body which is no better than what they deserve. Sleeping masses deserved to be ruled by corrupt Governments. Only when a significant number of people are ready to sacrifice their comforts for the betterment of the country, we can hope for a brighter future. Screaming and jumping with the Indian flag during insignificant cricket matches is not patriotism. Patriotism is having a sense of responsibility and a readiness to serve the country even if it entails giving up personal ambitions and comforts. The current India Against corruption movement perfectly represents the true spirit of patriotism.

Determined efforts of a few people have inspired and awakened thousands of people all over the country. As Swami Vivekananda once rightly said, “the country whose masses are awakened always moves on the path of progress. We are witnessing one of the greatest protests ever launched in the history of independent India. A team lead by one old man who has boldly stood up against corruption has seen an unprecedented support from all corners of the country.

I would not even get into the debate of how correct are his methodologies. Since whatever methodology is adopted against such an insensitive and super corrupt Government. it would have its own pros and cons. Fast unto death has its obvious dis advantages keeping the future in perspective but what is important is that atleast the whole country is uniting and standing up fearlessly for a corruption free India.This is the need of the hour.

People are willing to act, willing to support, willing to give their time and energy for the cause. This willingness to contribute ensures a secure and beautiful future for the coming generations. The laws of Karma will see to it that everybody gets their due sooner or later. The Time has come for a peaceful revolution that will gradually carve out a future where every Indian will be proud of being a citizen of this great country.

Vande Mataram

JGD

Rashmin

From Berlin we went straight to Venice. Venice was too hot so we did not enjoy it so much. From Venice we went to Switzerland. Switzerland was like paradise on earth. It was unbelievably beautiful. I had a great time but unfortunately  had to leave mid way since my Visa expired.

I landed in Delhi and went straight into an advance course the very next day with none other than Rishi Vidhyadharji.

Vidhya means knowledge and Dhar means holding on to. So Vidhyadhar means one who holds on to knowledge. He has a terrific sense of humour and has got a very strong presence. This was my first advance course with him and I  thoroughly enjoyed. From delhi I went to Dhamangao a very small village near Akola in Maharashtra. Vivek, Arpit and myself taught a 74 people Yes!+ course.

Straight after the Europe tour it was quite difficult see the state that our country is in. Such poor standards of Hygiene inspite of being one of the fastest growing economies in the world. In Dhamangao next to the course hall there was a garbage dumping ground with tons of filth and 13 Pigs rolling in it. Since  I was in Switzerland, one of the cleanest countries in the world just a week before the contrast was too much to bear. It is  hard to accept the fact that we Indians have sunk  to the lowest standards of passive acceptance.

We need to sensitize people so that they feel a sense of connectedness to the society and the environment. Inculcating a sense of responsibility is the highest form of service.

JaiGurudev

Rashmin

Since the last two and a half months I have been traveling and traveling and traveling. Spent two months in Norway, one of the most richest and the most expensive and the most beautiful countries in the world.  I had a great time in Norway. We had 8 courses in two months. From Norway I went to Berlin and also got a chance to participate in the World Culture Festival.

I Got a chance to be a part of the singing group lead by Grammy award nominee chandrika Tandan. It was a great experience doing the rehearsals with Chandrika and Michael.( conductor ) I was filled with pride when we sang Vande Mataram on the second day. Please see the telecast of the whole festival on sony Tv at 3.00 pm on the 24th of July. I hope you spot me

The event was grand, very well organised and some of the performances were outstanding.

The Lithuanian dancers were fantastic. The yoga performance looked exquisite.I also liked the¬† Outlandish group from Denmark. The theme song of the event,” colours of the rainbow” was amazing ( oh my god I am running out of adjectives) But my favourite show from the entire event was Elitsa todorova from Bulgaria. She fired up the whole stadium with her exuberance. The way she sang, played the drums,¬† the way she smiled and her powerful presence¬† made the entire stadium go crazy.

The rain Gods really made their presence felt by pouring a gentle drizzle all over the stadium throughout the entire festival. It was quite irritating and it became quite difficult to sit through the event because of the cold weather. On the flip side the rain added beauty and grace to some of the performances, especially the Russian ballet  and the Italian tango. Of course the performers had a extremely difficult time performing on a slippery stage. But what made the event memorable was the commitment shown by the performers. The Tango dancers got a standing ovation because in spite of almost falling on the stage twice they continued their dance by moving on the turf outside. .What the Russian Ballet dancers did on that day was something impossible. It was quite an inspiring exhibition of commitment and wanting to give their best at all costs.

All of us were reminded of the knowledge again and again,” opposite Values are complimentary”. Guruji nailed it when He said ,” Its not a big deal to celebrate when everything is going your way, but when you celebrate even when things are not conducive that shows your strength and commitment”. He spoke in German and lead us into a beautifully deep meditation for world peace and harmony.

The rain made the event unforgettable. Many more such events will happen in future. But the Word Culture festival, Berlin , 2nd and 3rd july 2011 will always be remembered as the most eventful and challenging experience for the organisers, spectators and participants together.

We have proved that we have all that it needs¬† to make a dream come true. A dream , a vision of a ” One World Family”.

to be continued…

Jai Gurudev

Rashmin

Found this photo on my laptop which we clicked in Coorg. Piyu and myself along with  old time friends Amit Periwal and Ritika Periwal had been on a three day vacation. to Coorg a stunningly beautiful place in Karnataka. Had an amazing time!

JGD

Rashmin

Yagaha Karmasu Kaushalam meaning yoga brings about skill in action. I have been quite a few times asked that why should a spiritual Guru get involved in other stuff.¬† My answer would be ,” why not?”. Why should a spiritual Guru not fight against injustice? The basic precepts of spirituality are caring and sharing, sense of belongingness and responsibility.

When the entire nation is suffering from corruption and other such evils why shouldn’t a spiritual person support efforts that are fighting against it. What kind of spirituality is that which preaches indifference towards those people who are striving to get a country free from social evils? A Spiritual Guru who has a following in masses can really be of great help in such cases when we need to reach out to maximum people to raise awareness about particular issues.

Yoga is that which increases yogyata ( capabilities). What is the point of increasing ones capabilities when they are not going to be used for the welfare of the society? I think the  question stems from a particular mental make up  that perceives the practice of yoga to be something alternative, something weird and not mainstream.  But I think we are fast moving towards a world that would consider yoga and mediation a way of life.

A true Guru with all His wisdom can guide us to the right mode of action even in extremely difficult and complicated situations. According to me it is impossible without such guidance to achieve the desired result.

Jai Gurudev

Rashmin